Medications for Periodontal Disease

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your dentist or doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medicines as recommended by your doctor or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Medications used to treat periodontal disease may be delivered in a number of ways, including as:

Pills

Mouthwash

Tiny fibers, microchips, or microspheres that can be placed between the teeth or into deep gum pockets to slowly release the medicine into the surrounding area

Gels that can be placed into infected pockets in the gums

Custom-fit tray made from impressions of your mouth into which medicine is placed

Prescription Medications

Tetracycline

Metronidazole

Chlorhexidine gluconate

Other macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin, minocycline, and doxycycline

Prescription Medications

Tetracycline

Tetracycline
is a type of antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections. Take this medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.

Certain over-the-counter products (such as, antacids, calcium supplements, iron) can reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline. Talk to your doctor about any supplements or prescription medicines that you are taking.

This antibiotic should be avoided in pregnant or nursing women and in children less than 8 years old.

Metronidazole

Metronidazole
is another kind of antibiotic that is used to treat chronic cases of periodontal disease. This medication may be used in combination with another drug. You can take metronidazole with food if the medication upsets your stomach.

Possible side effects include:

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

Headache

Loss of appetite

Dry mouth

Abnormal taste

Metronidazole should not be taken if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This medication may affect other prescription drugs—especially blood thinners. So, be sure that your doctor is aware of any medications, including over-the-counter-products, that you are taking.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Chlorhexidine gluconate
is another antibiotic that is used to prevent or treat periodontal disease. This medicine may be in the form of a mouthwash or a microchip.

Possible side effects include:

Mouth or lip irritation

Dry mouth

Abnormal taste

This medication should be avoided in nursing women, children, and teenagers.

Special Considerations

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Do not stop taking prescription medication without talking to your doctor.

Do not share prescription medication.

Ask what results and side effects to expect. Report them to your doctor.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medication. Some medications can be dangerous when mixed. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.

Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Periodontal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/periodontal%5Fdisease/.
Updated March 10, 2015. Accessed August 17, 2016.

Periodontal (gum) disease: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm#riskFactors.Updated September 2013. Accessed August 17, 2016.

Periodontal treatments and procedures. American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at:
https://www.perio.org/consumer/treatments-procedures. Updated May 2011. Accessed August 17, 2016.